Hello all. My question goes back to the use of representative volume elements for modeling structures and boundary conditions needed to solve RVE in a finite element model. Assume that there is a structure with a representative volume element marked by the solid line in the picture, where symmetric BC is applicable to each side of VE. In this case obviously periodic BC cannot be implemented. In fact, this VE is a quarter of a bigger volume element which is subjected to periodicity to form the whole structure. Is there any appropriate BCs which can be used to model the initial VE for representing the whole structure? Thank you.
Probably, the symmetry of this periodical structure should be used.
Hi Sabah Nobakhti I agree with Serge V. Shil’ko
alternative choices you could use stain/stress boundary conditions.
Sabah Nobakhti Hi, why can't we consider the symmetric repetitions to frame the MPC?
Thank you Serge V. Shil’ko & Prasannavenkadesan Varatharajan for your answers. Problem with using the symmetry BC is that it wouldn't be periodic anymore. In this case for example, left face does not obviously behave like the right face, as part of each face is composed of a stiff material and the corresponding part in the other face of a soft material. To my understanding, this means that modeling only this volume element can no longer be useful in estimating the properties at a continuum level since PBC is not applicable.
Jaymin Sanchaniya even with use of the stresses and strains from the continuum level and their translation to this scale, I think displacement boundary conditions should also be used to restrict the motion of the element.
To the followers of this post, I did some more digging and with the help of other fellows, it turns out that applying periodic and symmetry BC is possible at the same time to the volume elements, as described in the following paper. Please note that BCs differ for tensile and shear loading in this manner. This means that applying mixed-mode loading is not possible in the setup.
Whitcomb, J. D., Chapman, C. D., & Tang, X. (2000). Derivation of boundary conditions for micromechanics analyses of plain and satin weave composites. Journal of Composite Materials, 34, 724–747.
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